It’s getting to be back to school time here, and like many children most of my sons will say that their favorite time in school is recess. They love those precious few moments of being active and running around their playground. After school they run off of the bus and can’t wait to get outside and play on our playset. We are lucky enough to have one in our backyard.

But many children do not. They depend on the use of public parks and playgrounds. And when there are budget cuts, that in these tough economic times are inevitable, often playgrounds and sports programs are among the first things cut.

So I am happy to spread the word about the Sprite Spark Parks Project; Sprite’s multi-year commitment to bringing a “spark” to active spaces across the country. This year Sprite will have spent almost two million dollars to construct and refurbish and refresh more than 150 neighborhood parks, athletic fields and playgrounds.

The program is open to My Coke Rewards members who can enter for a chance to have their local school playground or athletic field refurbished. To submit your school, head to the My Coke Rewards for Schools Programand enter the point codes found on all Sprite and Sprite Zero products. If you are not yet a My Coke Rewards member, simply log on to www.mycokerewards.com and follow the prompts for new member registration.

To celebrate and help spread this word about this program I was given a Playground Prize Pack. The boyz have loved running around playing the games and blowing bubbles. It has helped us enjoy these last few days of summer.

I also am excited that I get to give a Playground Prize Pack away to one lucky Momma D and Da Boyz reader. Each prize pack is valued at approximately $100 and consists of:

Sprite Spark Parks Pen

Sprite Spark Parks Backpack

Sprite Coupon

Medibuddy First Aid Kit

Hand Sanitizer Wipes

Green Jumprope

Sizzlin’ Cool Sling Racket or Baseball Glove set

Crayola 3-D Chalk Set

Everything Kids Travel Activity Book

Tootle Turtle Bubble Set

$25 Amex Giftcard

To enter the Sprite Spark Parks Playground Prize Pack, leave a comment about what local school or park you would nominate to be refurbished. This must be done first, or no other entries will count!

I would like to nominate our local school S Ray Lowder. They are constantly trying to help the community out and local organizations It seems like everyone forgets to help them out. They love all of their children This is a kintergarten through third grade school. They deserve it so much!

…I would nominate our local “Conway”elementary school to be refurbished…it would be nice to have a local park to be refurbished!!!!we have a high school and middle school in walking distance and lots of land surrounding them,perfect of a play area,right?!@#!!!!

I'm in a rural area and the parks/playgrounds are in pretty good shape. *So* to choose a park for renovation, I'd pick an inner city park in my state capital of Harrisburg. Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com